If you are writing or reviewing legislation in Nigeria, please do not think like a constitutional lawyer.

Think like a DPO who wants to extort money.

Think like a sticky-fingered civil servant or politicoan.

Think like an uneducated, power-hungry uniform-wearing enforcer.

Do not analyse clauses based on their "expected" outcomes. Do so based on how they could be used in the worst possible way and for the worst possible reasons.

That is how to regulate public institutions in Nigeria.

Don't think like Yemi Osinbajo. Think like MC Oluomo.

Do not EVER include discretionary or subjective measures left open to the interpretation of a public officer.

Instead spell out in granular detail what actions should take place under what circumstances. If the law fills 1,000 pages, so be it.

Because if you don't...

ANY vague, unclear, subjective or discretionary provision will become a Nigerian public official's opportunity to make money.

If you don't spell everything out like you're talking to a toddler, those discretionary gaps become big arbitrage business opportunities.

Example of this: "Police can preemptively arrest if they are reasonably sure that a crime is about to take place."

Best case: Crime is prevented

Worst case: Police becomes an abduction+ransom payment racket.

Which of these happened in Nigeria?